Oscar and Grammy Winner in Talks to Become a Judge on ‘Idol’; Former ‘Idol’ Champ Says She’s Out of the Running

Two big names surfaced in connection with the “American Idol” judges’ jobs, with one former “Idol” winner saying she’s out of the running while another singer is reportedly in talks for a spot on the show.

TheWrap.com reports that Jennifer Hudson is in talks to join the Fox singing competition as a judge for its 13th season, which would mark her return to the show where she was finalist in season three. Her run on “Idol” helped launch her Oscar-winning film career and Grammy-winning recording career.

Hudson, who won an Oscar for “Dreamgirls,” is said to be interested in joining the show. Meanwhile, a representative for former "Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson told The Hollywood Reporter that the singer won’t be judging the competition, after rumors emerged that she was in talks to join.

Fox declined to comment on Hudson’s negotiations.

The show’s producers are concerned they’ve lost their core audience, and want to bring back some former contestants to help win them back, TheWrap notes.